SFA TV caught with a member of the Desta: Black youth Network from Montreal at the 1st annual black students Conference held at Ryerson University here in Toronto! be sure to check out their website! http://www.destanetwork.ca

About Desta:

DESTA is an outreach initiative to young adults (18-25) within the black community.
Our mission is to:

* mentor marginalized youth in the areas of education, employment, and personal growth
* guide each individual in the actualization of positive potential
* offer intervention and advocacy support
* empower vision, strengthen authentic identity, and promote excellence

In 2006, several community workers came together to discuss the needs of marginal black youth. A year later, the Padua Center received a seed grant from Human Resources Canada and launched a pilot project in partnership with several community-based organizations. Twelve youths participated in this six-month employment-focused initiative. The pilot project came to an end, but the needs of the youth did not. To continue this vital work with disadvantaged young adults, the DESTA Black Youth Network was born.

Our mentoring outreach has developed through referrals from community organizations and agencies, through word of mouth and peer influence, and through street outreach. Many of our youth are socially, emotionally & economically disadvantaged. Many are unemployed and under-educated. Despite the challenges faced, they are keen to live productive lives. The DESTA outreach exists to befriend marginal youth who need a helping hand.
DESTA, derived from the Amharic language, means ‘happiness’.